Nicolle Horbath is a Colombian singer-songwriter. In May 2024, she released her debut EP, De Magia Imperfecta, produced by Latin GRAMMY Award winner Juan Carlos Pérez Soto, marking her official entry as a singer-songwriter. That same year, she received Latin GRAMMY nominations for Best Singer-Songwriter Album and Best New Artist.[1]

Nicolle Horbath
Birth nameNicolle Horbath
GenresJazz, pop, folk music
OccupationSinger-songwriter
InstrumentVocals
Years active2022–present

Biography

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In 2013, Horbath received the only full scholarship to study music with a focus on jazz and popular music at Universidad del Norte in Barranquilla. During her time there, she was the soloist at two editions of the annual Cátedra Europa. In 2017, she graduated with honors and became the first jazz singer to win the Jóvenes Intérpretes competition of the Banco de la República, which allowed her to tour with her show Latinoamérica y el Jazz.[2] Additionally, she was a special guest in three editions of the Carnaval de las Artes, an event organized by journalist and writer Heriberto Fiorillo.[3]

In 2018, Horbath was awarded the "Prodigy Scholarship" from the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation, sponsored by Carlos Vives, allowing her to begin studies at Berklee College of Music in Boston.[4] There, she earned a degree in film scoring and songwriting. During her time at Berklee, she became the first Latina woman to present her own concert, titled The Dream, featuring original compositions, at the Berklee Performance Center.[5]

Musical career

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Her career continued to rise in 2022, when she made her debut as a songwriter with the singles Sueña and Florecer.[6] That same year, she was the opening act for Carlos Vives during one of his concerts in Boston as part of his U.S. tour.[7] Later, she performed at the Latin GRAMMYs 2022 ceremony.[8]

In 2023, she participated in NPR's global Tiny Desk Contest, where she was selected for the "Top Shelf" category.[9] NPR interviewed Horbath about her song Florecer and its inspiration. That same year, she contributed as a composer, performer, and vocal arranger to the album Beautiful Humans Vol. 1 by AleMor, which was nominated for both the Latin GRAMMYs and the GRAMMYs.[10]

In May 2024, she released her first EP as a singer-songwriter, titled De Magia Imperfecta. The EP, consisting of five songs, explores themes such as love, family, gratitude, and loss, and has been praised for its authenticity and ethereal atmosphere created through acoustic tones and transcendent lyrics. Produced by Latin GRAMMY® winner Juan Carlos Pérez Soto, this work solidified her as a rising star in the music industry.[11]

Performances and Collaborations

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Nicolle Horbath has been involved in numerous notable performances and collaborations throughout her career:

  • In 2022, she was the only opening act for Carlos Vives' U.S. Tour during his concert in Boston.[12]
  • She performed at the prestigious Latin GRAMMYs 2022 in Las Vegas, where she was part of a special performance with Nicky Jam.[13]
  • In 2023, Horbath participated in the NPR "Tiny Desk Contest" and was selected for the "Top Shelf" category, receiving praise for her performance of the song Florecer.[14]
  • Horbath collaborated as a composer, performer, and vocal arranger on the album Beautiful Humans Vol. 1 by AleMor, which was nominated for both the GRAMMYs and Latin GRAMMYs in 2023.[15]
  • She was invited to perform as a backing vocalist on Camilo's album Cuatro in 2024 and later performed at Juanes' Tiny Desk concert.[16]

Education

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Horbath's academic career is highlighted by several prestigious scholarships and awards:

  • In 2018, she received the "Prodigy Scholarship" from the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation, sponsored by Carlos Vives, enabling her to attend Berklee College of Music.[17]
  • During her time at Berklee, she became the first Latina woman to present her own concert at the Berklee Performance Center. The concert, titled The Dream, featured original compositions that showcased her Latin American influences.[18]
  • She graduated with a degree in film scoring and songwriting, solidifying her ability to craft music for various artistic mediums.

Artistic Style and Influences

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Horbath's music is characterized by a fusion of jazz, pop, and folk influences from Latin America, particularly the Caribbean region of Colombia. Her ability to seamlessly blend these genres has made her stand out in the Latin music scene. She draws inspiration from artists such as Carlos Vives, who has been a key supporter of her career, as well as Latin American musical traditions. Her music is often described as both ethereal and deeply rooted in her cultural heritage.[19]

Discography

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  • De Magia Imperfecta (2024)

Singles

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  • Sueña (2022)
  • Florecer (2022)

Awards and Nominations

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  • 2024: Nominated for Latin GRAMMYs in the categories of Best Singer-Songwriter Album and Best New Artist.[20]
  • 2023: Nominated for GRAMMYs and Latin GRAMMYs as part of the album Beautiful Humans Vol. 1 by AleMor.[21]
  • 2018: Winner of the "Prodigy Scholarship" from the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation.[22]
  • 2017: First place in the Jóvenes Intérpretes competition of the Banco de la República.[23]
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References

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  1. ^ "2024 Latin GRAMMY Nominees for Best New Artist". 2024.
  2. ^ "Banco de la República, Young Performers". 2017.
  3. ^ "Carnaval Internacional de las Artes". 2023.
  4. ^ "Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation Scholarship".
  5. ^ "The Dream – Concert at Berklee Performance Center". 2022.
  6. ^ "Interview, Universidad del Norte". 2022.
  7. ^ "Carlos Vives U.S. Tour 2022".
  8. ^ "Latin GRAMMYs 2022 Performance". 2022.
  9. ^ "Tiny Desk Contest Top Shelf Selections". 2023.
  10. ^ "Beautiful Humans Vol. 1 Collaboration".
  11. ^ "Nicolle Horbath Nominated for 2024 Latin GRAMMYs".
  12. ^ "Carlos Vives U.S. Tour 2022".
  13. ^ "Latin GRAMMYs 2022 Performance".
  14. ^ "Tiny Desk Contest Top Shelf Selections".
  15. ^ "Beautiful Humans Vol. 1 Collaboration".
  16. ^ "Juanes Tiny Desk 2024".
  17. ^ "Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation Scholarship".
  18. ^ "The Dream – Concert at Berklee Performance Center".
  19. ^ "Nicolle Horbath's musical style".
  20. ^ "2024 Latin GRAMMY Nominees".
  21. ^ "Beautiful Humans Vol. 1 Collaboration".
  22. ^ "Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation Scholarship".
  23. ^ "Banco de la República, Young Performers".